MORČIĆ - RIJEČKI SUVENIR

In addition to its esthetic and decorative function, it symbolizes belonging to Rijeka and Kvarner as well as the invisible bond that connects Rijeka today with the beginning of the century.
When you mention "Morcic", is usually earrings with anthropomorphic forms - a black head with white turban, but the image itself - the bust of a black man with a turban, is incorporated into other types of jewelery (brooches, pins, rings).

The creation of the Moretto was greatly influenced by Venice, which was in the 17th and 18 century was obsessed with the Orient, so with oriental spices, perfumes, fabrics, clothing and jewelry, the chambers of the wealthy Venetian patricians pages in introduced and servants - in oriental dress. This prompted many Venetian goldsmiths into making decorative pins in a black person with a turban and a golden bust, richly decorated with precious stones, called "Moretto".
At the same time Moretto of Rijeka appeared as a modest version of "Venetian Moretto." Because of the distinctive, fine workmanship and reasonable prices, Moretto becomes part of the traditional women's jewelry, primarily Riječanki.Osim Rijeka, the women wear Grobnik, Kastav, Vinodol, Gorski Kotar, carry it to the island of Pag, Rab, Krk and Cres. In Rijeka, it is called "Mori", the moretti "earrings", in Kastav "Morci earrings" in Gorski Kotar "Morceki".

Single Moretto earring was worn by the sons, sailors (on the right ear), and fishermen as a talisman. The Moretto earrings also signified social status and economic power, and belonging to the littoral region.
Because of its popularity in all social strata, Moretto was accepted as a souvenir of Rijeka.
The origin of this unusual jewelry at our end with character black person in a white turban there is a legend that goes back to the 16th century and explains the origin of Moretto:
"The Turks are the Grobnik field. Fear in the city because of a Turk anything good - just looting and arson. For a long time to hear news of their incursions into our neighborhood, the bloody battles around Senj and in ... All men are on the tower . heartedly resist the attacks, but their strength and help from nowhere. Women and children at home and pray for salvation. for God's help. 'stones falling from the sky bury this evil lives be spared! the siege lasts days go by ... and then the hand of God guided by an arrow shot from the bow arm stainless Zrinskog affects temple Turkish pasha. seeing their leader dead, the Turks fled the field. heavens answer the prayers of Rijeka, and to be open and the Turks buried stones. in the field there are only scattered white of Turkish turbans. in memory of this victory, Rijeka husbands gave their wives Moretto earrings. "